Fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus using fluidic devices

ABSTRACT

A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus performs a liquid supplying operation of fixed quantity through multiple stage valve closing. The liquid supply is controlled by a control circuit comprising fluidic devices or amplifiers which closes the valve in a fuel supplying pipe in multiple stages. The fluidic devices are operated by fluid such as air.

United States Patent 72] Takeo Hisada;

Inventors Takeshi Nishi, both of Tokyo, Japan 60,046 July 31, 1970 Dec. 14, 197 l Tokico Ltd.

App]. No. Filed Patented Assignee Kawasaki, Kanagawa-ken, Japan July 31, 1969 Japan 44/60565;

[32] Priorities Sept. 16, 1969, Japan, No. 44/73343 FIXED QUANTITY LIQUKD SUPPLYING APPARATUS USING F LUIDIC DEVICES 9 Claims, 5 Drawing Figs.

HS. Cl

51 1m. (:1 867d 5/30 501 Field of Search 222/14, 20, 2, 504; l37/8l.5

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,463,178 8/1969 Kirchmier 137/815 3,568,698 3/1971 Bodwell l37/8l.5

Primary Examiner-Stanley H. Tollberg A!lorneyWaters, Roditi, Schwartz & N issen ABSTRACT: A fixed quantity liqui-d supplying apparatus performs a liquid supplying operation of fixed quantity through multiple stage valve closing. The liquid supply is controlled by a control circuit comprising fluidic devices or amplifiers which closes the valve in a fuel supplying pipe in multiple stages. The fluidic devices are operated by fluid such as air.

Patented Dec. 14, 1971 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 via/ TIME FIG Aw ttzvso 13 PRESSURE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 It TI/1E 1: TIME *1. TIME FIXED QUANTITY LIQUID SUPPLYING APPARATUS USING FLUIDIC DEVICES This invention relates to a fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus making use of fluidic devices and more particularly to an apparatus supplying liquid in a fixed quantity by a control circuit constituted with the fluidic devices.

Generally, when a liquid is supplied in a fixed quantity into containers such as tanks for a tank lorry, drums and the like, the flow quantity of the liquid is counted to obtain a total amount of liquid to be supplied. There is used a fixedquantity valve closing device for automatically closing the valves to stop the supply of liquid when the total amount of the supplied liquid is reached a predetermined fixed value. A conventional fixed quantity valve closing device has comprised a flowmeter emitting an electric signal responsive to the flow quantity of a liquid, an integrating counter to receive a signal of flow quantity issued from the flowmeter for counting and integrating the total value of the supplied fuel, a control unit issuing a valve closing electric signal when theintegrated value counted by the integrating counter coincides with the predetermined fixed quantity, and an electromagnetic solenoid to actuate by signal issued from the control unit so as to directly or indirectly close the valve.

In the event that the liquid for supply is an inflammable liquid such as gasoline, light oil, or LPG, it is likely to cause the fire, explosion or similar troubles by electrical sparks, overcurrents and the like electrical incidents. The electrical circuit was therefore specifically designed to avoid such fire or explosion and this required the apparatus a complicated and large construction as well as high cost of manufacturing. Thus, it has been found undesirable to apply a control means using electrical signals generally in the apparatus supplying the above described liquid.

It is, therefore, a general object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus in which the above-mentioned disadvantages in the conventional apparatus are eliminated.

Another object of this invention is to provide an apparatus which employs only fiuidic signals to actuate the fluidic devices or amplifiers and can safely supply a fixed quantity of a liquid even when a liquid for supply is an inflammable liquid.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus which uses fluidic devices having no contact portions such as electric switches or relays and which is however excellent in endurance and easy for maintenance and inspection.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus having a novel control circuit which can perform the valve closing through multiple stages by use of fluidic devices such as OR devices, flip-flop devices and the like.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus which can switch its operation corresponding to different quantities of a liquid to be supplied and supply a liquid of a quantity previously set up in different values.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent with reference to the following specification considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a fuel supply stage portion cooperating with the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system of another embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows characteristics of time-port pressure variations of an OR device for automatic resetting; and

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing characteristics of flow quantity of a supplied liquid.

Referring now to FIG. I, the stage portion for fuel supply is now illustrated. There is provided a liquid supply pipe connected to a fuel reservoir (not shown) and extending to a location as predetermined. In the way of the pipe 10 which appears above the ground, there are provided a pump 11, a flowmeter 12 and a fixed quantity valve 13. A loading arm 14 is revolvably provided at an end of the pipe 10. A stage 17 is provided at such a height that an operator on the stage can readily insert the loading arm 14 into a tank 16 of a tank lorry 15. Provided on the stage 17 is an air-operated changeover valve 18 for previously setting the liquid supply quantity. The valve 18 can change over the supply quantity of the liquid as previously set up for l kl. or 2 kl. respectively by its operation. Suspended from a ceiling 19 over the stage 17 are a start operation valve 20 and an emergency stop operation valve 21 at a height which may not obstruct the passage of the tank lorry 15 allowing the operator a free operation.

The flowmeter 12 has an air-operated pulse generator 22 of the construction as later described. The loading arm 14 has a liquid lever detector 23 including a bubbler-tube. An earthing means M is provided at a location which is free from obstructing loading and passage of the tank lorry 15. Prior to liquid supplying operation, the operator pulls out an earth wire from the earthing means 24 and makes an earth of a portion of the lorry body so as to avoid the fire or explosion caused from static electricity generated during the liquid supplying operation. The earthing means 24 has an air-operation valve described hereinafter to operate when the earth wire is led out in a definite length.

A control box 25 provided at an adequate position has a control circuit as later described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

Now, an embodiment of the apparatus of the invention will be illustrated with reference to FIG. 2. The air pressures from air sources 26A, 2613-260 are respectively maintained at definite values as later described. OR-devices 27, 28 and 29 respectively have supply ports 27-1, 28-1 and 29-1, control ports 27-2, 27-3, 28-2, 28-3, and 29-2, 29-3, vent ports 27-4, 28-4, and 29-4 used as control ports, and output ports 27-5, 27-6, 28-5, 28-6, and 29-5, 29-6. Flip-flop devices 30 and 31 have respectively supply ports 30-1 and 31-1, control ports 30-2, 30-3, 30-4 and 31-2, 31-3, 31-4 and output ports 30-5, 30-6, and 31-5, 31-6. A NOT device 32 had a supply port 31-1, control port 32-2, and output ports 32-3 and 32-4.

Two position-four connection changeover valves 33 and 34 and a two position-three connection changeover valve 35 respectively of the air pressure pilot system are provided at locations as shown in the figure. Preset counters 36, 37 and 38 make integral indications with input air pulse signals from the air pulse generator 22. When the integrated value reaches a preset value, the counter issues a set signal and the indicated integrated value is reset by a reset signal. The preset counters 36, 37 and 30 have respectively air pulse signal inlet 36A, 37A and 38A, set signal outlet 36B, 37B and 38B, and reset signal inlet 36C, 37C and 38C. In this embodiment, if the liquid is supplied in the amount of l kl., the preset counter 36 issues a first stage valve closing signal before it reaches this amount. And if it is in the amount of 2 kl., the preset counter 37 similarly issues a first stage valve closing signal. The preset counter 30 issues a second stage valve closing signal as a final fixed quantity signal irrespective of whether the amount of liquid to be supplied is l kl. or 2 kl. In the air pulse generator 22, a perforated disk 45 is provided fixedly at a rotary shaft 44 thereof. An injection pipe 46 and a pressure receiving pipe 47 are provided in opposite so that the disk 45 is located therebetween.

Air connection between the above-mentioned components are illustrated hereinbelow. The air source 26A is connected to the control ports 30-2 and 31-2 of the devices 30 and 31 through the start operation valve 20. Tihe air sources 268 and 26C are respectively connected to the control port 28-3 of the device 28 through an operation valve 24a of the earthing device 24 and the emergency stop operation valve 21. The air source 26D is connected to the control port 27-3 of the device 27 through the liquid level detector 23 and a throttle 39. The air source 26B is connected to the control port 32-2 of the device 32 through the changeover valve 22.

The air source 26F is connected to the vent port 27-4 of the device 27 through respectively the supply port 27-1, control port 27-2, and a capacitor (delay device) 40. The output port 27-5 is opened to atmosphere and the other output port 27-6 is connected to the control port 28-2 of the device 28. The air source 26G is connected to the supply port 28-1 of the device 28. The output port 28-4 is opened to atmosphere and the I other output port 28-5 is connected respectively to the control ports 30-3 and 31-3 of the devices 30 and 31. The output ports 30-5 and 30-6 of the device 30 are connected respectively to the air pilots 33A and 33B. Also, the output ports 31-5 and 31-6 of the device 31 are respectively connected to the air pilots 34A and 34B of the changeover valve 34.

An air pipe 41 has one end connected to the changeover valve 33 and other end connected to an operation part 49 of the stop valve 13 and to the control port 29-3 of the device 29. The one end of the pipe 41 is opened to atmosphere when the air pilot 33A of the changeover valve 33 is actuated, and is connected to the air source 26J when the air pilot 33B is actuated. An air pipe 42 has one end connected to the changeover valve 34 and other end connected to the operation part 49 of the stop valve 13 through the injection pipe 46 and a check valve 48. The one end of the pipe 42 is opened to atmosphere when the air pilot 34A of the changeover valve 34 is actuated, and is connected to the air source 26K when the air pilot 34B is actuated. The outlet 38B of the preset counter 38 is connected to the control port 31-4 of the device 31 and connected respectively to the reset signal inlets 36C, 37C and 38C of the preset counters 36A, 37A and 38A through a capacitor (delay device) 43.

An air pipe 50 has one end connected to the pressure receiving pipe 47 and other end connected to the changeover valve 35 and the control port 29-2 of the device 29. The output ports 32-3 and 32-4 of the device 32 are respectively connected to the air pilots 35A and 35B of the changeover valve 35. The air pipe 50 is connected through the changeover valve 35 to the air pulse input port 36A of the counter 36 when the air pilot 35A is actuated. And the air pipe 50 is connected to the air pulse inlet 37A of the counter 37 through the changeover valve 35 when the air pilot 35B is actuated. The set signal inlets 36B and 37B of the counters 36 and 37 are connected to the control port 30-4 of the device 30. The output port 29-4 of the device 29 is connected to the air pulse signal inlet 38A of the counter 38. The output port 29-5 is opened to atmosphere.

The fluidic device circuit having the above-described connection is operated as follows. 1

Prior to operation or before the liquid is supplied in the tank lorry, the devices are in a condition as described below. The air sources 26A-26Q are not all supplied the air. The start operation valve 20 and the emergency stop valve 21 are both closed, while the valve 24a of the earthing device 24 is opened.

Preceding to the liquid supplying operation, the air pressure is supplied to all the air sources 26A-26Q. Initially when the air pressure is fed to the air source 26F, the automatic reset circuit including the OR-device 27 is actuated and the flip-flop devices 30 and 31 are automatically reset. Operation at this instant will be described with reference to FIG. 4. Upon delivery of air to the supply port 27-1 and the control port 27-2 from the air source 26F, the pressures of the ports 27-1 and 27-2 instantly rise exponentially as shown in graphs (A) and (B) of FIG. 4. The air pressure supplied from the supply port 27-1 appears from the output port 27-6. At the same time, the air pressure from the air source 26F is supplied in the delay device 40 with the internal pressure of which gradually rising as shown in graph (F) of FIG. 4. In a t second delay time after start of air pressure supply, the internal pressure of the delay device 40 reaches at a predetermined value. At this instant, the air pressure is supplied through the delay device 40 to the bent port 27-4 as shown in graph (C) of FIG. 4, whereupon the output of the device 27 is changed from the output port 27-6 to the output port 27-5 as shown in graphs (D) and (E) of FIG. 4. Accordingly, when the air pressure is supplied from the air source 26F to the device 27, an air pulse of t in pulse width is generated at the output port 27-6 as shown in graph (E) of FIG. 4.

The output air pulse of this output port 27-6 is fed to the control port 28-3 of the device 28. In the device 28, the output of air from the air source 26G is changed from the output port 28-4 to the output port 28-5. The air pressure from the output port 28-5 is fed respectively to the control ports 30-3 and 31-3 of the flip-flop devices 30 and 31. In the device 30, the air pressure from the air source 26H is changed from the output port 30-6 to the output 'port 30-5. The changeover valve 33 is applied air pressure in its air pilot 33A and is in a changed state as shown in the figure. At the same instant, in the device 31, the air pressure from the air source 261 is changed over from the output port 31-6 to the output port 31-5. The changeover valve 34 is applied air pressure in the air pilot 34A and is in a state as shown in the figure.

When the changeover valves 33 and 34 are in the changed states as described above, the one ends of the air pipe 41 and 42 are respectively opened to the atmosphere. Accordingly, the air pressure is not supplied to the operation part 49 so that the stop valve 13 is held in a closed state. Therefore, the circuit is automatically reset by the OR-device 27.

The tank lorry 15 to be supplied a liquid is stationed at a position as predetermined near the stage 17. Then the driver or operator draws out the earth wire from the earthing device 24 and attach an earth clip to a part of the tank lorry 15. Then the operation valve 24a of the earthing device 24 is closed. Even though the operation valve 24a closes, the changeover valves 33 and 34 do not actuate so far as the flip-flop devices 30 and 31 are not supplied a signal.

The operator or driver may then insert the loading arm 14 into the tank of the tank lorry 15 and change over the changeover valve 18 to set for a fixed quantity of l kl. or 2 kl. At this instant, for example, the changeover valve 18 is changed to a condition as shown in the figure. The air pressure from the air source 26E is fed to the control port 32-2 of the device 32. In the device 32, the air pressure from the air source 260 appears at the output port 32-4. The output of the output port 32-4 is supplied to the air pilot 35B and the changeover valve 35 is therefore changed over. Thus, the air pipe 50 is connected to the air pulse signal inlet 37A of the counter 37. Now it is ready for the counting of the amount of liquid in 2 kl. On the other hand, the changeover valve 18 is reversely changed to the condition as shown in the figure. Connection of the air source 26E to the control port 32-2 of the device 32 is then cut off. The air pressure from the air source 260 is fed through the output port 32-3 to the air pilot 35A. Hence, the air pipe 50 is connected to the air pulse signal inlet 36A of the preset counter 36, whereby the apparatus is prepared for counting the liquid amount of l k1.

By operation of the operation valve 18 as described above, the supply of liquid in the amount of 1 k1. has now been set up for starting. Then the operator opens the start operation valve 20. Then the air pressure from the air source 26A is fed to the control ports 30-2 and 31-2 of the flip-flop devices 30 and 31. The output of the air supplied from the air source 26H is changed over from the output port 30-5 to the output port 30-6. The output of the air supplied from the air source 261 is changed from the output port 31-5 to the output port 31-6. Thereby the air pilots 33B and 34B of the changeover valves 33 and 34 respectively receive the air pressure from the output ports 30-6 and 31-6. Thus, the changeover valves 33 and 34 are changed. By changeover of the changeover valve 33, the air pressure from the air source 261 is fed through the pipe 41 to the control port 29-3 of the device 29 and the operation part 49 of the stop valve 13. In the device 29, the air pressure is supplied in the control port 29-3 so that the air from the air source 26N is discharged to atmosphere from the output port 29-5. Also, by change of the changeover valve 34, the pressure supplied from the air source 26K is fed through the pipe 42 to the injection pipe 46 and the check valve 48.

At this time, each pressure of the air sources 26.! and 26K is so determined that the output of the changeover valve 33 may be set for example at 1.4 kg./cm. and the output of the changeover valve 34 at 0.2 kg./cm. Since, by presence of the check valve it is not probable that the air pressure is fed from the pipe 42 to the operation part 49, the stop valve 113 is fully opened by the operation part 49, which receives pressure of 1.4 kg./cm. from the pipe 41. As shown in FIG. 5, the valve 13 quickly and fully opens during the time from T to T After lapse of the time T the liquid flows through the valve I3 in the pipe 110 in the flow quantity Q, per unit time to feed the liquid into the tank of the tank lorry 15.

The flow quantity of the liquid supplied in the pipe is counted by the flowmeter 12. The rotary shaft 44 and the disk 45 are rotated in response to the counting of the flowmeter 112. The injection pipe 46 ejects the air under pressure of 0.2 kg./cm. in a beamlike manner. The jet air passes through the holes of the disk 45 which rotates proportionally to the flow quantity and the passed air is received by the pressure receiving pipe 47. Accordingly, the pressure receiving pipe 47 obtains the air pulse signal proportioned to the flow quantity of a liquid.

The air pulse signal from the pressure receiving pipe 47 is fed, through the air pipe 50, changeover valve 35, and air pulse signal inlet port 36A, to the preset counter 36. With the progress of liquid supply, integrating indication can be made in the counter 36 corresponding to the flow quantity. in the counter 36, when the integrated value reaches a certain value before reaching a preset fixed quantity of 1 ML, a first stage valve closing signal is issued from the preset signal outlet 36B of the counter 36. This time point is shown at T in FIG. 5. The signal from the outlet 36B is supplied to the control port 3tI-4 of the device 30 and the output of air pressure from the air source 26H is changed from the output port 30-46 to the output port 30-5, whereby the changeover valve 33 is again changed over to the condition as shown in FIG. 2.

By change of the changeover valve 33, the air pipe 4i is opened to atmosphere and the air pressure of 1.4 kgJcm. applied in the operation part 49 of the check valve I3 and the control port 29-3 of the device 29 is reduced to zero. When the air pressure which has been applied in the operation part 49 is reduced to zero the air pressure of 0.2 kg./cm. fed from the air pipe 42 is supplied through the check valve 48 to the operation part 49, whereby the stop valve 13 is turned to a slightly opened state. The flow passage of the pipe 110 is more throttled so that the flow quantity of a liquid flowing through the pipe I0 is decreased. It will be noted in FIG. 5 that the flow quantity is lessened between time points T and T and after the time point T the liquid flows in the pipe I0 through the slightly opened valve 13 in the flow quantity Q per unit time.

In the device 29, the air pressure fed in the control port 29-3 is brought to zero, but the control port 29-2 has been fed the air pulse signals from the pressure receiving pipe 47. Therefore, only when the air pulse signal only is entered in the control port 29-2 as an intermittent signal, the air pressure from the air source 26N appears at the output port 23-5 and is opened to the atmosphere. Therefore, when this air pulse signal does not enter the control port 23-2, the air pressure from the air source 26N appears in the output port 29-4. Thus, an air pulse signal synchronized with the air pulse signal from the pressure receiving pipe 47 is issued from the output port 29-4 and supplied in the air pulse signal inlet 33A of the preset counter 33.

The preset counter 38 integrates and indicates the air pulse signals 7 from the device 29. When thus integrated value reaches a preset fixed quantity of 1 kl., the second stage valve closing signal is issued as a fixed quantity signal from the preset signal outlet 38B of the counter 38. This time point is shown at T, in FIG. 5. The signal from the outlet 38B is on one hand fed to the control port 31-4 of the device 311. In the device 31, the output of air pressure from the air source 26! is changed from the output port 31-6 to the output port 31-5, whereby the changeover valve 34 is changed to the condition as shown in FIG. 2. The one end of the air pipe 42 is opened to atmosphere. Therefore, supply of air pressure to the injection pipe 46 is stopped and also supply of air pressure to the operation part 49 is stopped so that the stop valve 113 is changed from the slightly opened state to the fully closed state. The time point in which the stop valve 13 is fully closed and the supply of a liquid is stopped is indicated at T in FIG. 5. Those time points T and T are desirably set so that the integrated value of the time from T to T, and the flow quantity equals to the preset value of l kll.

The fixed quantity signal from the preset fixed signal outlet 38B of the counter 38 is supplied through the delay device 43 with time delay to the reset signal inlet 36C, 37C and 38C of the counters 36, 37 and 33. Then the counters 36, 37 and 38 are brought their integrated indication values to zero and reset.

After the above-described operation, the supply of a liquid in l kl. is then ended. The described control circuit is now reset and returned to the initial condition before its operation. The operator inserts the loading arm 14 into another tank and again operates the start operation valve 20. Thereby another supply of a liquid in a fixed quantity is accomplished by similar operation as described above. Finally the loading arm 14 is disengaged from the tank with the earthing device 24 being removed from the tank lorry 15. Consequently, the liquid supplying operation in one tank lorry is thus ended.

The description has solely concerned with the case when the preset value of a fixed quantity is determined as l kl. The same applies in the case when the preset value is 2 kl., wherein the changeover operation valve 18 is operated and the pipe 50 is connected through the changeover valve 35 to the counter 37. The counter 37 actuates instead of the counter 36 and other parts being actuated same as in the case of the liquid supply of 1 kl.

Operation of the safety devices will now be described hereinbelow.

In the event that an earth wire of the earthing device 24 is accidentally detached from the body of the tank lorry 15 during the liquid supplying operation, the earth wire is rewound by force stored in a spring (not shown) provided in the earthing device 2.4. Thus, the operation valve 24a of the earthing device 24 is opened. Therefore, the air pressure from the air source 2613 is supplied to the control port 28-3 of the (JR-device 28. The output taken out from the output port 28-5 of the OR-device 28 is supplied to the control ports 30-3 and 31-3 of the flip-flop devices 30 and 31 which are then reset. By the devices 30 and 31 thus being reset, the apparatus now is in an original condition same as before its operation and the stop valve 113 is fully closed. Whenever the earthing device is detached from the body of the tank lorry 15 during the liquid supplying operation, the liquid supply is stopped and a danger is prevented.

In case an emergency occurs during the liquid supplying operation such as fire, accidents in the liquid supplying system, one opens the emergency stop valve 21. When the valve BI is opened, the air pressure from the air source 26C is fed to the control port 28-3 of the OR device, whereby the stop valve 13 instantly closes similarly as the event that the earthing device is detached from the body as above-described If a liquid remains in the tank of the tank lorry 15, when the liquid of a fixed quantity is supplied in addition to the remaining liquid, a certain amount of the liquid overflows out of the tank. Also, in the event that valve closing signals from the counters as, 37 and 38 are not issued the liquid is continued to supply over a fixed quantity and the liquid similarly overflows the tank. Therefore it is needed to prevent such accident. Normally, the air from the air source 26D is discharged from the bubbler-tube of the liquid surface detector 23. When the liquid level in the tank runs over a predetermined level by accidents such as described, the air can not be discharged from the bubbler-tube. Then the air from the air source 26D is supplied through the throttle 39 to the control port 27-3 of the OR device as a liquid level detecting signal. Thus, the air pressure from the air source 26F is input in the control ports 38-3 and 31-3 of the flip-flop devices 30 and 31 through the OR- device 27 and 28 and the devices 30 and 31 are reset. Accordingly, the stop valve 13 is fully closed and consequently the overflow of the liquid from the tank can be prevented.

Another embodiment will now be described with reference to FIG. 3.

A two position-three connection changeover valve 60 of the air pilot type has an air pilot 60A which is connected to a compressed air source 61. An air pipe 62 is connected through a throttle 66A to the compressed air source 61. Air pipes 63, 64 and 65 are respectively through throttles 66B, 66C and 66D to the changeover valve 60. The pressures of output-side of the throttles 66A, 66B, 66C and 66D are previously set at 0.3 kg./cm., 0.l kgJcmF, 1.0 kg./cm. and 0.3 kg./cm. respectively. The air sources 62A, 62B and 62C are respectively connected to the pipe 62 and supplied the air under pressure of 0.3 kg./cm."'. The air sources 63A-63M are respectively connected to the pipe 63 and supplied the air under pressure of 0.1 kg./cm.. Also, the air sources 64A and 65A are respectively connected to the pipes 64 and 65 and supply respectively the air under pressure of 1.0 kg./cm. and 0.3 kg./cm.

OR-devices 67, 68-75 as fluidic devices have respectively a supply port shown by suffix 1, control port shown by suffix 2, vent port used for control port shown by suffix 3, and output ports shown by suffixes 4 and 5. The flip-flop devices 76, 77, 78 and 79 have respectively supply port shown by suffix 1, control ports shown by sufiixes 2 and 3, and output ports shown by suffixes 4 and 5.

Shuttle valves 80, 81, 82 and 83 have respectively inlets shown by suffixes A and B, outlet shown by suffix C, and ball valve shown by suffix D. If an input signal is entered in the inlet 84A of the amplifier device 84, there appears on the outlet 84B the air under pressure of 1.0 kg./cm. from the air source 64A. Similarly, if an input signal is entered on the inlet 85A of the amplifier device 85, there appears on the outlet 8513 the air under pressure of 0.3 kg./cm. from the air source 65A.

Construction of a fixed quantity signal emitter 86 is now illustrated. A quick-rotation disk 87 having a notch is provided on a rotary shaft 90 of the flowmeter 12. A slow-rotation disk 89 having a notch is transmitted rotation of the rotary shaft 90 through a speed reduction gear train 88. Air changeover valves 91 and 92 have valve levers which respectively contact the outer periphery of the disks 87 and 89. The changeover valves 91 and 92 are normally opened and respectively closed only when the valve levers are fitted into notches of the disks. The disk 87 makes one rotation during the liquid flows passing through the flowmeter 12 in 100 1. and the disk 89 makes one rotation during the liquid flows passing through the flowmeter 12 in l kl. The disk 87 thus makes one rotation in every l() 1., and a lever means (not shown) actuates relative to the disk 89. Thus, in nine rotations from 100 1., 200 1.,-90O 1., the changeover valve 91 does not close. Upon the supplied amount of the liquid reaching 1 k1. and the disk 89 having made just one rotation, the lever means operates initially to close the valve. On the other hand, the changeover valve 92 closes when the amount of supply reaches 900 1. as its valve lever fits into the notch of the disk 89. Thus, the changeover valve 91 closes in relation with the disk 87 at every supply of liquid in every 1 kl., 2 kl.... The disk 92 closes in relation with the disk 89 at every supply of liquid in every 0.9 kl., 1.9 kl....

ln the above-described first embodiment, the air-operated changeover operation valve 93 for setting the liquid supply quantity corresponding to the changeover operation valve 18 has a changeover port 94A for 1 k1. and a changeover port 948 for 2 kl. The start operation valve 20, the emergency stop operation valve 21, and the operation valve 24a of the earthing device, all similar as in the above embodiments, have respectively a two position-two connection changeover valve of the spring return system. The circuit of the construction as hereinbefore described will be operated as follows.

The circuit before it is put into operation i.e., before a liquid is supplied in a tank lorry is now described. The compressed air is fed from the compressed air source 61 and the air pressure is take out from the air pipe 62. The air pilot 60A of the changeover valve 60 is not supplied the air pressure and the valve 60 is in a cutoff state. From the air pipes 63, 64 and 65 is not taken out the air pressure. Accordingly, the air sources 63A-63M, 64A and 65A are not supplied the air pressure. After the preceding liquid supply has been accomplished, the valve lever of the changeover valves 91 and 92 are respectively fitted into the notches of the disks 87 and 89. The changeover valves 91 and 92 are both closed. Therefore, the air pressure supplied from the pipe 62 to the air sources 628 and 62C is interrupted by the changeover valves 91 and 92.

The emergency stop operation valve 21 normally connects air pipes 95 and 96. Upon occurrence of an emergency, the operation valve 21 is put to operation, whereupon the operation valve 21 connects the pipe 95 to a pipe 97. The operation valve 24a of the earthing device 24 normally connects the pipe 96 to a pipe 98 and, when the earth wire is led out in certain length, it connects the pipe 96 with a pipe 99. The start operation valve 20 normally interrupts the connection of the pipe 99 with a pipe 100 and permits the pipe 100 opened to atmosphere. During this operation it connects the pipes 99 and 100.

The changeover operation valve 93, relative to the preceding liquid supplying operation, is connected either to a changeover port 94A or to a changeover port 94B. The air pressure supplied from the air source 62A flows in sequence through the changeover operation valve 93, shuttle valve 80, pipe 95, emergency stop valve 21, pipe 96, operation valve 24a, pipe 98, shuttle valve 81, flip-flop device 79, and OR-device 74 and is discharged into atmosphere from the output port 74-5 of the device 74. Upon the changeover operation valve 93 being connected to the changeover port 94A, the air pressure from the air source 62A is simultaneously discharged into atmosphere from the output port 70-5 of the OR-device 70.

The tank lorry 15 is to be supplied a liquid is then stationed at a predetermined position near the stage 17. Generally, the tank chamber of the tank lorry 15 may be partitioned into plural sections which respectively have capacity of l kl. or 2 kl. in the event that the tank chamber has a capacity of 1 kl., the changeover operation valve 93 may be connected to the changeover port 94A and that it has a capacity of 2 kl., it is connected to the changeover port 948.

The operation in case that .the chamber has a capacity of l k1. is now explained.

First, the changeover operation valve 93 is changed in connection to the changeover port 9413. The earth wire is drawn out from the earthing device 24 in a certain length and attached to the lorry body. At the instant, the operation valve 24a is changed over and the pipes 96 and 99 are connected with each other. The operator or driver inserts the loading arm 14 into a tank chamber and then operates the start operation valve 20. By operation of the operation valve 20, the air pipes 99 and 100 are connected with each other. Thus, the air pressure from the air source 62A flows in sequence through the changeover port 94B, inlet 80A of shuttle valve 80, outlet 80C, pipe 95, changeover valve 21, pipe 96, changeover valve 24, pipe 99, changeover valve 20, pipe 100, inlet 82B of shuttle valve 82, and outlet 82C and is fed to the air pilot 60A. Thereby, the changeover valve 60 is changed its operation and the pipes 63, 64 and 65 are connected to the compressed air source 61. The air sources 63A-63M, 64A and 65A are respectively and simultaneously supplied the air of the predetermined pressure from the compressed air source 61.

Initially when the air pressure is supplied from the air source 63C, the automatic reset circuit including the OR-device 67 is actuated and the flip-flop devices 76, 77 and 78 are automatically reset. The action at this moment is similar to the action when the flip-flop devices 30 and 31 are automatically reset by the OR-device 27 as seen in the above embodiment illustrated with reference to FIG. 2. Therefore, the descriptions thereof are omitted. A capacitor (delay device) 101 delays a signal similarly to the delay device 40.

The operation of the circuit of this embodiment is now described accompanying with illustrations of input and output conditions of each device. The changeover valve 92 is closed and the OR-device 68 has not been applied a control signal. The air pressure from the air source 63A appears at the output port 68-3 and is supplied to the control port 7 1-3 of the R- device 71. As the air pressure from the output port 76-4 of the device 76 is supplied to the control port 69-2 of the OR- device 69, the air pressure from the air source 63D appears at the output port 69-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. Since the air pressure from the device 76 is supplied to the control port 78-2 of the OR-device 78, the air pressure from the air source 63E appears at the output port 70-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. Also, as the air pressures from the devices 68 and 77 are respectively supplied to the control ports 71-2 and 71-3 of the OlR-device 71, the air pressure from the air source 63H appears at the output port 71-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. The control ports 72-2 and 72-3 of the OlR-device 72 are not supplied air pressure and the air pressure from the air source 63l appears at the output port 72-4 and is discharged into atmosphere.

The control port 75-3 of the OR-device 75 is supplied air pressure from the device 78. Thus, the air under pressure of 0.1 kg./cm. from the air source 630 appears at the output port 75-4 and is supplied to the inlet 82A of the shuttle valve 82. On the other hand, the inlet 82B of the shuttle valve 82 is supplied the air under pressure of 0.3 ltg/cm. from the air source 62A so that the ball valve 82D is displaced to the left on the figure. Accordingly, the air pressure of 0.3 kg./cm. fed through the pipe 100 is supplied to the air pilot 60A through the shuttle valve 82. lf the start operation valve 20 is released, the valve 20 returns to a position shown in FIG. 3 and the air pressure from the air source 62A is interrupted by the valve 20. At this instant, however, the ball valve 82D is displaced to the right on the figure by air pressure entering into the inlet 82A of the shuttle valve 82. The air pilot 60A is supplied the air pressure of 0.l kgJcmF. Accordingly, the air pilot 60A is still supplied the air pressure and the changeover valve 60 holds the above-described changed condition.

The air pressure from the device 78 is supplied to the control port 73-2 of the OR-device 73 and the air pressure from the air source 63K is discharged into atmosphere through the output port 73-5. The air pressure is not supplied to both control ports 74-2 and 74-3 of the OR-device 74. From the air source 63L, the air pressure is supplied through the output port 74-4 to the inlet 84A of the amplifier device 84.

When the air pressure is supplied to the inlet 84A of the amplifier device 84, the air of pressure of l kglcm. from the air source 64A appears at the outlet 848. The air pressure from the outlet 84B is supplied, through the inlet 83A and outlet 83C of the shuttle valve 83, to the operation part 49 of the stop valve 13, whereby the valve 13 is fully opened. Then the liquid flows through the pipe and the liquid supplying is commenced. When the start operation valve is operated, the air pressure in the pipe 180 is supplied to the control port 79-2 of the flip-flop device 79 and the air pressure from the air source 63M is supplied to the amplifier device 85 through the output port 79-5, whereby the air of pressure of 0.3 ltg./cm. from the air source 65A is supplied to the inlet 83B of the shuttle valve 83. However, the inlet 83A of the shuttle valve 83 is supplied the air of pressure of l kg./cm. so that the ball valve 831) is displaced to below on the figure and the air pressure of l kgJcrn. appears at the outlet 83C.

When the stop valve 13 opens and a liquid starts to flow in the pipe 10 as described above, the disk 87 begins to rotate. The valve lever of the changeover valve 91 which has been fitted into the notch of the disk 87 mounts on the land of the disk and the valve 91 opens. The air pressure fed from the air source 62C is supplied through the valve 91 to the control ports 75-2 and 69-3 of the OR-devices 75 and 69. The control ports 75-3 and 69-2 of the OR-devices 75 and 69 are already supplied the air pressure so that respective output ports are not subjected to change even though the air pressures are supplied to the control ports 75-2 and 69-3;

After the valve lever of the changeover valve 91 has mounted on the land of the disk 87, the valve lever of the changeover valve 92 fitted into the notch of the disk 89 mounts on the land and the valve 92 opens. By opening of the valve 92, the air pressure from the air source 628 is supplied to the control port 68-2 of the OR-device 68, whereby the output of the air pressure from the air source 63A is changed from the output port 68-3 to the output port 68-4. The air pressure from the output port 68-4 is supplied as a control signal to the control ports 76-2 and 73-3 respectively of the flip-flop device 76 and the (JR-device 73.

When the control signal is supplied to the control port 76-2 of the device 76, the output of the air pressure supplied from the air source 638 to the supply port 76-1 is changed over from the outlet port 76-4 to the outlet port 76-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. As a result, the output does not appear at the output port 76-4 so that the air pressures are not supplied to the control ports 69-2 and 70-2 of the OR-devices 69 and 70. As the control port 69-3 of the device 69 has been already supplied the air pressure, no change is produced in the state of the output of the OR-device 69 even though the air pressure is not supplied to the control port 69-2. If the air pressure is not supplied to the control port 70-2 of the device 70, the output is changed over from the output port 70-5 to the output port 78-4. The air signal from the output port 70-4 is supplied to the control port 72-3 of the device 72, whereby the output of the air pressure from the air source 63l which has appeared at the output port 72-4 is changed to the output port 722-5.

The air signal from the output port: 72-5 is supplied to the control port 78-2 of the device 78, whereby the output of the air pressure from the air source 63.] is changed from the output port 78-4 to the output'port 78-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. As the output of the output port 78-4 turns to zero, the respective control ports 78-2 and 75-3 of the devices '73 and 75 are not supplied the air pressure. However, at this instant, the control port 73-3 of the device 73 is not supplied a control signal from the output port 68-4 of the device 68, therefore the output of the device 73 is not changed. As the control port 75-2 of the device 75 is supplied the air pressure from the air source 62C, the output of the device 75 is not changed. If the output does not appear at the output port 68-3 of the device 68, the control pressure to the control port 71-3 of the device 71 turns to zero. Since a signal has been supplied to the control port 71-2 from the device 77, the output of the device 71 is not changed.

As the liquid supply advances through the pipe 10, the quantity of a liquid to be supplied is counted in every moment by the flowmeter 12. indication of integrated or instant amount is thereby carried out. At the same time, the disks 87 and 89 continue their rotations. While the quantity of a liquid reaches 900 1., the disk 87 makes nine rotations. Then, as illustrated above, the changeover valve 91 is opened by the lever means actuating in association with the disk 89. When the quantity of liquid reaches 900 1., the disk 89 makes, approximately nine-tenths rotations. At the instant, the valve lever of the changeover valve 92 is fitted again from the land into notch and the valve 92 is closed. By closing of the valve 92, a first stage fixed quantity signal is issued through the following action accomplishing the first stage valve closing.

Namely, by closing of the changeover valve 92, the air pressure from the air source 6213 is stopped of its supply. Thus, the control port 68-2 of the device 68 is not supplied a control signal. The output of the air pressure from the supply port 68-1 is changed from the output port 68-4 to the output port 68-3. The output signal of the output port 68-3 is fed to the control port 71-3 of the device 71. On the other hand, the control signals of the devices 73 and 76 to the control ports 73-3 and 76-2 come to disappear.

Although the control signal air pressure is not supplied to the control port 76-2, the output of the device 76 is not changed due to characteristics of the flip-flop device..l-lowever, as the control signal air pressure is not present at the control port 73-3, the output of the air pressure from the supply port 73-1 is changed from the output port 73-5 to the output port 73-4. The output signal from the output port 73-4 is fed to the control port 74-2 of the device 74, whereby the output which has been issued from the output port 74-4 is changed to the output port 74-5 and discharged into atmosphere. Thus, the supply of a signal to the inlet 84A of the amplifier device 84 is stopped and the output does not appear on the outlet 84B of the device 84.

Then, the pressure at the inlet 83A of the shuttle valve 83 is turned to zero. On the other hand, the inlet 83B is supplied the air pressure of 0.3 kg./cm. from the outlet 85B of the amplifier device 85. As the result, the ball valve 83D is displaced to upward on the figure. The air pressure of 0.3 kg./cm. is supplied to the operation part 49 of the stop valve 13 passing through the outlet 83C, whereby the stop valve 13 which has been fully opened by the pressure of l kg./cm. is slightly opened. The flow of liquid is greatly throttled so as to complete the first stage valve closing.

When the disk 87 is further rotated and the quantity of the liquid supplied has reached 1 kl., the disk 87 makes rotations. At this instant, the valve lever of the changeover valve 91 fits into the notch from the land of the disk 87 and the valve 91 is closed. Thus, the second stage valve closing is performed as described below.

When the changeover valve 91 is closed, the supplied air pressure from the air source 62C is interrupted. The control signal is not supplied to the control ports 69-3 and 75-2 of the devices 69 and 75. Consequently in the device 69, the output of the air pressure from the supply port 694 is changed from the output port 69-5 to the output port 69-4. The output signal from the output port 69-4 is supplied to the control port 77-2 of the device 77. In the device 77, the output of the air pressure from the supply port 77-1 is changed from the output port 77-4 to the output port 77-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. At the same time, the output from the output port 77-4 is brought to zero. The control port 71-2 of the device 71 is not supplied a control signal. In the OR-device 71, how ever, a control signal is supplied to the control port 71-3 so that the output of the device 71 is not subjected to change.

When a signal is not supplied to the control port 75-2 of the device'75, the output of the air pressure from the supply port 75-1 is changed from the output port 75-5 to the output port 75-4 and discharged into atmosphere. In consequence, the supply pressure from the output port 75-5 to the inlet 82A of the shuttle valve 82 is brought to zero. At the same time, since the supply pressure is not supplied to the inlet 82B of the shuttle valve 82, the supply of air to the air pilot 60A of the changeover valve 60 is stopped, whereby the changeover valve 60 returns to the initial condition before its operation as shown in FIG. 2. The pipes 63, 64 and 65 are interrupted of air supply and the air sources 63A-63M, 64A and 65A are not supplied the air pressure. As the air supply is stopped from the air source 65A, the air pressure is not supplied to the operation part 49 of the stop valve 13 so that the stop valve 13 is fully closed, whereby the second stage valve closing is ended and the liquid supply in the quantity of l kl. has been completed.

In order to perform similar liquid supply of a fixed quantity in other tank chamber of the lorry, the loading arm 14 is moved to other tank chamber and the start operation valve may be operated again Then, the same operation as described above is repeated to perform the liquid supply in the quantity of l kl.

The liquid supply operation of the fixed quantity of l kl. has been described hereinabove. A description is now made about the operation when the quantity of the liquid to be supplied is 2 kl.

Now, the changeover valve 93 is connected to the changeover port 94A. Then, an earth wire is drawn out from the earthing device 24. in a certain length and attached to a part of the lorry body. The loading arm 14 is inserted into one of the tank chambers. Thus, the fuel supply operation is now ready. Thereafter, the operator or driver operates the start operation valve 20. Similar to the preceding case, the air pressure from the air source 62A is supplied to the air pilot 60A of the changeover valve 60 and the valve 60 is changed, whereby the air sources 63A-63M, 64A and 65A are respectively supplied the air pressure.

When the air source 63C is supplied air pressure from the compressed air source 61, an automatic reset circuit including the OR-device 67 is then actuated as in the preceding case. From the output port 67-5 of the device 67 is generated an air pulse. The air pulse is supplied to the control ports 76-3, 77-3 and 78-3 of the flip-flop devices 76, 77 and 78. Thus, the devices 76-78 are reset. At the output ports 76-4, 77-4 and 78-4 respectively of the devices 76, 77 and 78 appear outputs. The state of output of each output port of the OR-devices 68-75 is determined in the similar way as in the liquid supplying operation of l kl. as hereinbefore described.

The control ports 74-2 and 74-3 of the OR-device 74 are not supplied the control pressure. The air pressure from the supply port 74-1 appears at the output port 74-4. The output signal of the output port 74-4 is supplied to the inlet 84A of the amplifier device 84. Issued from the outlet 84B is the supply pressure of l kg./cm.. This air pressure of l kgJcm. passes through the shuttle valve 83 and is fed to the operation part 49 of the stop valve 13. Thus, the valve 13 is fully opened and thereby the liquid supply is started. The shuttle valve 83 is supplied the air pressure of 0.3 kg./cm. from the amplifier device 85. As the air pressure from the amplifier device 84 is larger than the pressure from the amplifier device 85, the air pressure from the device 84 passes through the shuttle valve 83.

When the liquid supply is started, the changeover valves 91 and 92 are opened as in the preceding case. The air pressure from the air source 62A is supplied to the shuttle valve and the control port 70-3 of the device 70 through the changeover port 94A. The air pressure from the air source 623 is supplied to the control port 68-2 of the device 68 through the changeover valve 92. The supplied pressure from the supply port 68! appears in the output port 68-4 and supplied to the respective control ports 73-3 and 76-2 of the devices 73 and 76. The air pressure from the air source 62C is supplied to the control ports 69-3 and 75-2 respectively of the devices 69 and 75. The pressure supplied from the supply port 69-1 of the device 69 appears at the output port 69-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. The pressure supplied from the supply port 70-1 of the device 70 appears at the output port 70-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. The supplied pressure from the supply port 71- l of the device 71 appears in the output port 71-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. As the control ports 72-2 and 72-3 of the device 72 are not supplied the control pressure, the pressure supplied from the supply port 72-1 appears at the output port 72-4 and is discharged into atmosphere. Because the control pressure is supplied to the control ports 73-2 and 73-3 of the OR-device 73, the air pressure from the supply port 73-1 is discharged into atmosphere through the output port 73-5. The control port 78-2 of the flip-flop device 78 is not supplied the control pressure from the device 72. When the device 78 receives the output from the OR-device 67 for automatic resetting, the output of the device 78 appears at the output port 78-4. And the device 78 remains in this state.

When the control port 76-2 of the flip-flop device 76 is supplied the signal from the output port 68-4 of the device 68, the output of the device 76 is changed from the output port 76-4 to the output port 76-5. Therefore, no change appears in the output of the OR-device 75. The supplied pressure to the air pilot 60A is not subjected to change.

Consequently, no signal is supplied to the control ports 74-2 and 74-3 of the OR device. The air pressure from the supply port 74-] is supplied through the output port 74-4 to the amplifier device 84. After the changeover valves 91 and 92 are opened; the air under pressure of 1.0 kg./cm.hu 2 from the amplifier device 84 is supplied to the operation part 69 of the valve 13' through the shuttle valve 83 continuously, the valve 13 is retained in full opening and the liquid supply is continued.

When the quantity of a liquid to supply reaches 900 1., the changeover valve 92 is closed in association with the rotation of the disk 89, as described previously in the liquid supplying operation in the quantity of 1 k1. By closing of the valve 92, the control port 68-2 of the OR-device 68 is not provided the control pressure, whereby the output of the device 68 is changed from the output port 68-6 to the output port 63-3. As the output of the output port 65-4 turns to zero, the control pressure is not supplied to the control port 76-2 of the flip-flop device 76. However, due to the characteristics of the flip-flop device, the output ports of the device 76 are not subjected to change. Also, the control pressure is not supplied to the control port 73-3 of the OR-device 73. Since the control pressure is supplied to the control port 73-2 from the output port 73- 1 of the device 78, no change appears at the output port of the device 73. On the other hand, the output from the output port 68-3 of the device 68 is supplied to the control port 71-3 of the device 71. As the control pressure is supplied to the control port 71-2 from the device 77, the output of the device 71 is not changed.

As the liquid supply is advanced on and the amount of the supplied liquid reaches 1 k1., the changeover valve 91 is closed in association with the the disk 87. By closing of the valve 91, the supply of air from the air source 62C to the control ports 69-3 and 75-2 respectively of the devices 69 and 75 is interrupted. As the control pressure supplied to the control port 69-3 of the OR-device 69 turns to zero, the output of the device 69 is changed from the output port 69-5 to the output port 69-4. The flip-flop device 77 receives the control pressure from the device 69 and its output is changed from the output port 77-41 to the output port 77-5 and it is discharged into atmosphere. At this time, the output of the output port 77-4 turns to zero, whereby the control pressure supplied to the control port 71-2 of the device 71 turns to zero. Because the air supply to the control port 71-3 is still continued, no change appears at the output of the device 71. Also, the air supply to the control port 75-2 of the device 75 is interrupted As the control pressure is supplied to the control port 75-3 from the output port 78-4 of the device 78, similarly, no change appears at the output of the device 75.

Thus, the changeover valve 92 closes when the quantity of a supplied liquid is 900 1. and the changeover valve 91 closes when the quantity of the supplied liquid is l kl., but the OR- device 76 and the flip-flop device 79 are not supplied the control signal. Accordingly, the operation part 49 is still supplied the pressure of l kgJcm. so that the stop valve 13 is retained in fully opened condition and the liquid supply is continued.

By further rotation of the disk 87, the changeover valve 91 is again opened. The air pressure from the air source 62C is supplied to the control ports 69-3 and 75-2 respectively of the devices 69 and 75. If the control pressure is supplied to the control port 69-3 of the OR-device 69, the output of the device 69 is changed from the output port 6 to the output port 69-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. The air supply to the control port 77-2 of the device 77 is interrupted, but the output of the device 77 is not subjected to change. Also, the control port 75-2 of the OR-device 75 is supplied the supply pressure. As the control pressure has been already supplied to the control port 75-3, no change appears at the outputs of the device '75.

By still further rotation of the disk 89, the changeover valve 92 again opens and the pressure from the air source 628 is supplied to the control port 68-2 of the device 63. Thereby, the output of the air pressure from the supply port 69-1 of the device 68 is changed from the output port 68-3 to the output port 68-41. The output of the output port 68-41 is supplied to the control ports 76-2 and 73-3 respectively of the devices 76 and 73. In the flip-flop device 76, the air pressure from the supply port 76-1 has appeared already at the output port 76-5 and no change occurs at the outputs. Also, in the OR-device 73, the control pressure has been already supplied to the control port 73-2, its output is not subjected to change.

By the output from the output port 68-3 of the device 68 turning to zero, the control pressure is not supplied to the control port 71-3 of the device 71. The output of the device 71 is changed from the output port 71-5 to the output port 71-4. The signal from the output port 71-4 is supplied to the control port 72-2 of the device 72 and the output of the device 72 is changed from the output port 72-4 to the output port 72-5. By the signal from the output port 72-5, the output of the flipflop device 73 is changed from the output port 7 to the output port 73-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. With the output of the output port 78-4 being turned to zero, the control pressures to the control ports 73-2 and 75-3 respectively of the device 73 and 75 turn all to zero. As the signal pressure has been supplied respectively to the control ports 73-3 and 75-2, the output of these devices 73 and 75 are not produced a change in the direction.

As the liquid supply advances and the quantity of the supplied liquid reaches [.9 k1, the changeover valve closes 92 by the similar operation as above-described The signal to the control port 68-2 of the OR-device 68 is interrupted and the output of the device 68 is changed from the output port 68-4 to the output port 68-3. The output of the output port 68-4 turns to zero and the airs to the control ports 76-2 and 73-3 respectively of the devices 76 and 73 are interrupted. The output signal from the output port 68-3 is supplied to the control port 71-3 of the device 71 and the output of the device 71 is changed from the output port 71-4 to the output port 71-5 and discharged into atmosphere. The output from the output port 71-4 turns to zero and the output of the OR-device 72 is changed from the output port 72-5 to the output port 72-4. The control pressure from the output port 72-5 to the control port 78-2 of the device 78 turns to zero. However, because of the characteristics of the flip-flop device, the output of the device 73 is not produced a change in the direction.

As hereinabove described, though "the control pressure supplied to the control port 76-2 of the flip-flop device 76 turns to zero, the output of the device 76 is not produced a change in the direction. However, when the air is interrupted to the control port 73-3 of the OR-device 73, the output of the device 73 is changed from the output port'73-5 to the output port 73-4. The output of the output port 73-4 is supplied to the control port 74-2 of the device 74 and the output of the device 7 1 is changed from the output port 74-4 of the output port 76-5 and discharged into atmosphere. Thereby, the air pressure on the inlet 84A'of the amplifier device 84 turns to zero and the air under pressure of l kgJcm. from the air source A does not appear on the outlet 848.

On the other hand, the shuttle valve 83 has been supplied the air under pressure of 0.3 kgJem. from the amplifier device 65 so that the ball valve 83D is displaced upwardly on the figure. The air under pressure of 0.3 l g./cm. passes to the outlet 33C and is supplied to the operation part 49. Thereby, the stop valve 13 is slightly opened. By closing of the changeover valve 92, therefore, there is issued the first stage valve closing signal.

When the liquid supply makes further advance and the quantity of the liquid for supply has reached 2 k1. in a preset value of the liquid, the changeover valve 91 is closed. By closing of the valve 91, the air is interrupted to the control port 75-2 of the OR-device 75 from the air source 620. At this time, as the air pressure is not supplied to the control port 75-3 of the device 75, the output of the device 75 is changed from the output port 75-5 to the output port 75-4 and discharged into atmosphere. The air to the air pilot 60A of the changeover valve 60 turns to zero and the valve 60 returns to the original condition before operation as shown in FIG. 2. Accordingly, the pipes 63-65 are interrupted of supply of air, whereby as in the case of liquid supply in the quantity of 1 k1.

as described. the stop valve 13 is fully closed and the flow passage of the pipe is interrupted. Therefore, by closing of the changeover valve 91, the second stage valve closing signal is issued. Through the above-described operation is now completed the liquid supply in the fixed quantity of 2 k1.

Operation of the apparatus according to the invention at the occurrence of an emergency will now be described. When the earth wire of the earthing device 24 is detached from the tank lorry 15, the operation valve 24a returns to the condition as shown in FIG. 2. Then the pipes 96 and 98 are connected to each other. In consequence, the air pressure from the pipe 96 is supplied to the control port 79-3 of the flip-flop device 79 through the pipe 98 and the shuttle valve 81, whereby the output of the device 79 is changed from the output port 79-5 to the output port 79-4. When the output of the port 79-5 turns to zero, the signal is not supplied to the inlet 85A of the amplifier device 85 and the air pressure of 0.3 kg./cm. is not issued from the outlet 658. The signal from the output port 79-4 is supplied to the control port 74-3 of the OR-device 74. The output of the OR-device 74 is changed from the output port 74-4 to the output port 74-5 and is discharged into atmosphere. Therefore, the signal is not supplied to the inlet 84A of the amplifier device 84 and the air pressure of l kgJcm. is not issued from the outlet 848. In consequence, the inlets 83A and 83B of the shuttle valve 83 are not supplied the air pressure. The pressure supplied to the operation part 49 instantly turns to zero and the stop valve 13 is fully closed. Accordingly, as the earth wire is detached from the lorry body, the liquid supply may be instantly stopped and the danger can be prevented.

In the event that the fire or accident in the liquid supplying system should occur, it is permitted to operate the emergency stop valve 21. The valve 21 communicates the pipes 95 and 97 by its operation. Thereby, the air pressure in the pipe 95 is supplied, through the pipe 97 and the shuttle valve 81, to the control port 79-3 of the device 79. Thereafter, similarly as in the case the earth wire is disengaged from the lorry body as previously described, the stop valve 13 is fully closed.

ln the above embodiments, the fluidic devices are operated by air signals. However, in substitute for the air, appropriate fluids may be used.

Throughout the above embodiments, the description is specifically made on the liquid supplying operation for the supply of a liquid to a tank of a tank lorry. Such containers to be supplied a liquid may not be confined to the tank lorry but broadly any container may be used such as railway tank car, drums and the like with the same effect. The quantity of the liquid for supply may be fixedly set at any adequate amount as determined without solely confined to l kl. or 2 k1. Any other modifications or variations of the embodiment of the invention can also be made as desired so far as it will not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What we claim is:

1. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus which comprises a pipe forming a flow passage of a liquid for supply, a stop valve provided in the pipe, a valve operation part driven by fluid pressure so as to open and close the stop valve, a plurality of valve opening fluid sources supplying the fluid of different pressure to the valve operation part, a flowmeter provided in the pipe, and a multistage valve closing circuit means consisting of fluidic devices operated when the quantity of the supplied liquid reached respectively difierent values in association with the action of the flowmeter, wherein the multistage valve closing means includes fluidic devices changing and controlling the fluid supply from the fluid sources to the valve operation part.

2. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 1 wherein said multistage valve closing circuit means comprises afirst stage valve closing circuit means consisting of fluidic devices operated when the quantity of the supplied liquid reaches a first preset value and a second stage valve closing circuit means consisting of fluidic devices operated when the quantity of the supplied liquid reaches a second preset value.

3. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 2 wherein said fluid is air and which further comprises a changeover valve for changing the air from the air source and a means for generating an air pulse signal in association with the action of the flowmeter, said first stage valve closing circuit means comprising a first air-operated preset counter for integrating air pulses from the air pulse generating means and generating a first stage valve closing air signal when the integrated pulse signals reaching a first preset value'and a first flip-flop device operated by the air signal from the first preset counter, said second stage valve closing circuit means comprising a second air-operated preset counter integrating air pulses from the air pulse generating means and generating a second stage valve closing air signal when the integrated pulse signals reaching a second preset value and a second flip-flop device operated by the air signal from the second preset counter, and said changeover valve being switched by the output of said each flip-flop device.

4. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 3 which further comprises an automatic reset circuit including OR devices, a start operation valve operated at the start of the liquid supply, and start air sources for supplying start air signals through the start operation valve, wherein said flip-flop device is controlled of its output by air signals supplied as control signals respectively from the preset counter, automatic reset circuit and start air sources.

5. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 3 in which said first stage valve closing circuit means has further a third air preset counter integrating the air pulses from the air pulse generating means and generating a first stage valve closing air signal when the integrated air pulses reaching a third preset value, and a means for changing the air pulse from the air pulse generating means to be supplied to either one of the first or third preset counters in response to the fixed quantity of a liquid to be supplied, said first flip-flop device being operated by the air signal from either one of said first or third preset counters.

6. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 4 which further comprises a means for actuating the automatic reset circuit when an emergency occurs, wherein said flip-flop device actuates so as not .to supply the air from the valve opening air source to the operation part during operation of the automatic reset circuit.

7. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 2 wherein said fluid is air and which further comprises a first and a second amplifier devices for producing the air from the air source on the outlet when an input air signal is supplied to the inlet and a first and a second changeover valves to open or close the valve in association with the operation of the flowmeter, said first stage valve closing circuit means having fluidic devices actuating so asnot to supply to input signal in the first amplifier device by closing the first changeover valve, and said second stage valve closing circuit means having fluidic devices actuating so as not to supply the input signal to the second amplifier device by closing the second changeover valve.

8. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises a changeover operation valve for changing in response to different fixed quantities of liquid, an air supply source for supplying the air pressure through the changeover operation valve, a fluidic device circuit which prevents the first stage valve closing action when the first changeover valve is closed before the quantity of a liquid supplied reaches a preset value in the first stage valve closing circuit in response to the changeover position of the changeover operation valve, and automatic reset circuit including OR devices and flip-flop devices.

9. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises an air source for supplying the air pressure through the changeover valve and a means for interrupting the air supply of the air sources upon occurrence of an emergency.

l III I! l I 

1. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus which comprises a pipe forming a flow passage of a liquid for supply, a stop valve provided in the pipe, a valve operation part driven by fluid pressure so as to open and close the stop valve, a plurality of valve opening fluid sources supplying the fluid of different pressure to the valve operation part, a flowmeter provided in the pipe, and a multistage valve closing circuit means consisting of fluidic devices operated when the quantity of the supplied liquid reaches respectively different values in association with the action of the flowmeter, wherein the multistage valve closing means includes fluidic devices changing and controlling the fluid supply from the fluid sources to the valve operation part.
 2. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 1 wherein said multistage valve closing circuit means compriSes a first stage valve closing circuit means consisting of fluidic devices operated when the quantity of the supplied liquid reaches a first preset value and a second stage valve closing circuit means consisting of fluidic devices operated when the quantity of the supplied liquid reaches a second preset value.
 3. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 2 wherein said fluid is air and which further comprises a changeover valve for changing the air from the air source and a means for generating an air pulse signal in association with the action of the flowmeter, said first stage valve closing circuit means comprising a first air-operated preset counter for integrating air pulses from the air pulse generating means and generating a first stage valve closing air signal when the integrated pulse signals reaching a first preset value and a first flip-flop device operated by the air signal from the first preset counter, said second stage valve closing circuit means comprising a second air-operated preset counter integrating air pulses from the air pulse generating means and generating a second stage valve closing air signal when the integrated pulse signals reaching a second preset value and a second flip-flop device operated by the air signal from the second preset counter, and said changeover valve being switched by the output of said each flip-flop device.
 4. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 3 which further comprises an automatic reset circuit including OR devices, a start operation valve operated at the start of the liquid supply, and start air sources for supplying start air signals through the start operation valve, wherein said flip-flop device is controlled of its output by air signals supplied as control signals respectively from the preset counter, automatic reset circuit and start air sources.
 5. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 3 in which said first stage valve closing circuit means has further a third air preset counter integrating the air pulses from the air pulse generating means and generating a first stage valve closing air signal when the integrated air pulses reaching a third preset value, and a means for changing the air pulse from the air pulse generating means to be supplied to either one of the first or third preset counters in response to the fixed quantity of a liquid to be supplied, said first flip-flop device being operated by the air signal from either one of said first or third preset counters.
 6. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 4 which further comprises a means for actuating the automatic reset circuit when an emergency occurs, wherein said flip-flop device actuates so as not to supply the air from the valve opening air source to the operation part during operation of the automatic reset circuit.
 7. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 2 wherein said fluid is air and which further comprises a first and a second amplifier devices for producing the air from the air source on the outlet when an input air signal is supplied to the inlet and a first and a second changeover valves to open or close the valve in association with the operation of the flowmeter, said first stage valve closing circuit means having fluidic devices actuating so as not to supply to input signal in the first amplifier device by closing the first changeover valve, and said second stage valve closing circuit means having fluidic devices actuating so as not to supply the input signal to the second amplifier device by closing the second changeover valve.
 8. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises a changeover operation valve for changing in response to different fixed quantities of liquid, an air supply source for supplying the air pressure through the changeover operation valve, a fluidic device circuit which prevents the first stage valve closing action when the first changeover valve is closed before the quantity of a liquid supplied reaChes a preset value in the first stage valve closing circuit in response to the changeover position of the changeover operation valve, and automatic reset circuit including OR devices and flip-flop devices.
 9. A fixed quantity liquid supplying apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises an air source for supplying the air pressure through the changeover valve and a means for interrupting the air supply of the air sources upon occurrence of an emergency. 